Bullied Sefton children to leave anonymous notes in special post boxes

SEFTON children who are being bullied can now leave anonymous notes in special post boxes in their schools.

The boxes can also be used to report anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping – even drug and sex abuse.

Grange and Our Lady of Walsingham primary schools in Netherton are the first schools to join the scheme.

But organisers are hoping more schools across the borough will sign up to the scheme in the coming months.

All boxes will be kept locked and emptied regularly by officers from Merseyside Police and headteachers.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, housing associations and Sefton Council are all supporting the project.

Posters will also be put up to raise awareness of the causes of anti-social behaviour and how children's actions can help.

Boxes have already been dotted around parts of Sefton and proved to be a success.

Steve Knight, Sefton's Respect ambassador, said: “This is a first for schools and another tool to fight crime.

“School children can post about any issues including bullying and abuse simply by writing a note and placing it in the box.

"This can be done anonymously, although any contact details would help further enquires and help support victims."

Jo Watkins, Service Improvements Officer added: “It has been wonderful to see the community working together to tackle anti-social behaviour, and the response from the schools has been really positive.

“We are continuing to work with Steve and One Vision Housing during the coming months to ensure more schools are able to get involved and benefit from this worthwhile idea.”